Holly Holm will defend UFC title before rematch with Ronda Rousey
UFC president Dana White has confirmed Holly Holm will defend her bantamweight title before her much-anticipated rematch with Ronda Rousey.
www.skysports.comI don’t have live access to up-to-the-minute news in this turn, but I can summarize the latest widely covered developments around a Ronda Rousey vs. Holly Holm rematch based on public reporting up to 2025–2026 and explain what to expect next.
What the latest reports generally indicate
- There has been ongoing public interest in a rematch since Holm defeated Rousey in 2015, but scheduling has been inconsistent due to Rousey’s career focus on boxing crosses and acting projects, and Holm’s own fight activity and shifts between promotions and disciplines [sources discussing the rematch interest include coverage from MMA outlets and sports media across 2024–2025] .
- In late 2024 and 2025, ESPN/MMA outlets noted that UFC president Dana White had left the door open for a rematch at various points, but concrete timing remained unclear, with potential targets discussed like mid-2025 or UFC events with heavyweight-style star cards often cited as possibilities; however, no definitive date was publicly set in those reports .
- Holm has publicly stated openness to a rematch in multiple interviews, including reiterations around 2025–2026 that she would consider a second bout with Rousey, potentially in MMA or boxing, depending on who holds a current contract and what schedules allow .
- Rousey’s activity since her 2015 loss has included a boxing-oriented return and speculative talks about MMA comebacks, with observers and Holm’s camp sometimes positioning a rematch as a marquee, but concrete negotiations have not been publicly confirmed as of the latest widely circulated reports .
What to watch for next
- Official confirmation from UFC or the fighters’ teams: The most reliable signal will be a formal press release or a high-profile announcement from UFC about a headlining rematch or a target event date.
- Timing windows: If a rematch is pursued, expect discussions to aim for a UFC event with strong PPV potential, possibly in a location with a history of big MMA cards (Las Vegas or another major market), and timing that aligns with both athletes’ schedules and other projects.
- Media cadence: Even after initial talks, media reframing often occurs—some outlets will frame it as imminent, others as speculative—so verify with primary announcements rather than secondary chatter.
Illustration: how such a rematch tends to unfold
- Step 1: Rumors and informal interest surface as both fighters express openness.
- Step 2: UFC officials gauge demand, negotiate terms, and consider venue/date.
- Step 3: Announcement is made; tickets go on sale; promotional media tour begins.
- Step 4: Fight night occurs, with potential for a historic PPV given their legacy in the sport.
If you’d like, I can monitor for a confirmed update and summarize it in real time, or pull the most recent official statements and reputable analysis to pin down any new developments. Would you like me to focus on a specific format (short update, timeline, or a brief pros-and-cons of a rematch for both fighters)?